Phoenix, AZ (Apr 23, 2025): Looking ahead to another summer of extreme heat, Keys to Change launches the 16th Annual Thirst Aid Heat Relief Drive to provide relief to individuals experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. Collection events occur the first Saturday of each month throughout the summer, allowing community members to donate cases of bottled water, electrolyte packets, sun hats, and other life-saving supplies.

The first collection event will take place Saturday, May 3rd from 9am to 12pm at the Harrison Gate at Key Campus – 1300 W. Harrison Street, Phoenix, 85007.

Maricopa County residents are encouraged to hold local drives in their communities, then drop off drive proceeds at the monthly collection event. The drive toolkit is available for download on the Keys to Change website. Donors can also give directly to the fund at any time at www.ThirstAidAZ.org.

All supplies collected through this effort are distributed by staff and volunteers at and around Key Campus – a 13-acre homeless services campus where nonprofits and governmental agencies collaborate to end homelessness. Keys to Change and Campus partners distribute around 120,000 bottles of water each month.

“Our staff is laser-focused on helping our clients end their homelessness. We are grateful that the community steps in to assist with heat relief,” says Amy Schwabenlender, CEO at Keys to Change. “Extreme heat is a given of life in Maricopa County, and we have to commit to heat relief as an entire community. ”

Keys to Change is also seeking corporate groups to sponsor and build Heat Relief Kits, providing outreach teams with vital supplies as they engage with people experiencing homelessness throughout the county.